2K to spend on XC bike - thoughts please?

[x5x3]

I need to get back into Mountain Biking this summer - therefore need a new bike (I'm sure no-one on here would disagree with that ), It has to be XC really as I do a mixture of riding with some on-road (no hills where I live!), I have a Specialized at the moment and very happy with them but open to ideas?

Riding would be a mix of on-road, local bridleways, Cannock Chase etc and probably a venture to some Summer Ski Resort trails.

Thanks in advance!

[WildCards]

Depending on what size you need and whether you're fussed about having a current bike or last years model, this Giant looks like good VFM.

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b...

[cliff123]

If you like Specialized, why change? Stumpjumper FSR, can't really go wrong. Love mine.

http://ow.ly/1cZfj

[Gazzab]

Orange P7 hardtail?
No hills, no rocks etc would discount a full suss for me.

[ratbane]

Gazzab said:

Orange P7 hardtail?
No hills, no rocks etc would discount a full suss for me.

Agreed. With that type of terrain, go for a nice hardtail. OnOne Ti 456?

[Zippee]

For that sort of riding don't bother with F/S, go for a decent hardtail. My money would be spent on this;
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/rocky-mountain...

[WildCards]

A decent 4" FS will do everything a hardtail will do but in more comfort, and it's more versatile.

If you do go to the Alps, or start doing bigger stuff you've got a bike that'll handle it. A hardtail is limiting your options IMO.

[snotrag]

WildCards said:

A decent 4" FS will do everything a hardtail will do but in more comfort, and it's more versatile.

If you do go to the Alps, or start doing bigger stuff you've got a bike that'll handle it. A hardtail is limiting your options IMO.

What wildcards said.

But (and im going to sound like a broken record here) - GET ONE THAT FITS!

Comparings specs and buying a bike because it weighhs half an ounce less is stupid.

Fit, fit fit! Get to your local shops and get some test sat on some bikes.

Geometry and fit is something that (umless your majorly geeky, mathematical, and very experienced) is difficult to quantify. Not all manufacturers build their bikes from the same anthropometrics.

You will find that you may 'fit' naturally on a Giant, but not on a Specialized. Just like buying running shoes.
Find the brands that fit you then go from there.


At this kind of money, which is a lot to anyone - you need to get these things right if you want to get your moneys worth.

[x5x3]

thanks all for the replies - some ideas to think about there, I do like the Specialized I have now but I am very shallow and know a new bike will make me get out more......

[raf_gti]

x5x3 said:

Riding would be a mix of on-road, local bridleways, Cannock Chase etc and probably a venture to some Summer Ski Resort trails.

Thanks in advance!

I'd personally say that a bike suitable for bridleways and Cannock Chase would NOT be suitable for taking to the Alps.

2K should buy you a very nice carbon hardtail and enough change to hire a full susser in the Alps.

Have a look at Merida, they do a very nice carbon HT.

Although if you really have to spend your full budget I'd be looking at a far 'swankier' brand than Merida!

[Crippo]

Speak to Bridgtown Cycles they have quite a few Trek demo bikes you could try out. Also check out www.demodaze.co.uk for a list of demo bikes and dealers that have them becaus eit is important to try before you buy.

[anonymous-user]

as i have said many times before, i thought i was a fast xc rider on my hardtail, then a friend lent me his epic for the day at afan, i was miles quicker and enjoyed it a lot more. the difference between a short travel xc full sus bike and a hardtail is just crazy. if you get a good hardtail like a Whyte or something, sure it will be fast and fun, but there is nothing that can keep traction, climb and improve your skills like a 4" fs xc bike.

personally i would look at the giant anthem, the spesh fr xc pro or the trek ex8. these seem to be pretty much the stadard by which others are measured. others worth a look are lapierre and commencal if you feel like being different. if you dont mind going second hand, an epic would be awesome.

the fox rp2 rear shock has a pro-pedal feature which lets you limit the rear travel so climbs and bridlepaths shouldnt be an issue and they will all come with a lockout on the front fork too.

as others have said, fit is crucial as an xc bike tends to imply that you will be in the saddle for a few hours at a time and you want it to be comfy.

i cant stress how happy i am making the move to full sus, its just so much faster and more mangeable. it makes day long rides easier and if you keep the pressure right you shouldnt have any issues with "just" 4 inches of travel and i dont avoid the big drops either...

[Dibby]

I prefer the short chuckable Kona style frames but you might prefer stretched out race style of Trek so I couldn't say but X and you'll love it. Long frames give me back ache but people I know love them.

Test, test, test. Find out what you like about a bike, whether it's elbows out freeride or smooth, efficient race style riding. £2k isn't the kind of money you want to make the right choice with.

If you can find a bike trial day where you can take anything out on your local trails for free then get on it. Don't believe what one person likes will be good for you, you wouldn't buy a car without taking it for a spin first.

[Agoogy]

x5x3 said:

thanks all for the replies - some ideas to think about there, I do like the Specialized I have now but I am very shallow and know a new bike will make me get out more......

Stay with Specialized and get a carbon Stuntjumper HT...I did. It does fast or stop, thats it.

[satans worm]

I like the look of Ghost bikes like this http://www.ghost-bikes.de/2010/en/bikes/mtb-hardta...

Edited by satans worm on Wednesday 3rd March 16:29

[timnoyce]

Agoogy said:

x5x3 said:

thanks all for the replies - some ideas to think about there, I do like the Specialized I have now but I am very shallow and know a new bike will make me get out more......

Stay with Specialized and get a carbon Stuntjumper HT...I did. It does fast or stop, thats it.

I got offered a Large Stumpjumper FSR, full carbon 2009... RRP £3000, going for £2000. From the Specialized shop in Saltash near Plymouth. It was immense. They are keen to let you try bikes down there and they have a cracking range of bikes.

[x5x3]

timnoyce said:

Agoogy said:

x5x3 said:

thanks all for the replies - some ideas to think about there, I do like the Specialized I have now but I am very shallow and know a new bike will make me get out more......

Stay with Specialized and get a carbon Stuntjumper HT...I did. It does fast or stop, thats it.

I got offered a Large Stumpjumper FSR, full carbon 2009... RRP £3000, going for £2000. From the Specialized shop in Saltash near Plymouth. It was immense. They are keen to let you try bikes down there and they have a cracking range of bikes.

I have a Stumpjumper FSR at the moment so carbon would be a logical upgrade

[RobDickinson]

WildCards said:

Depending on what size you need and whether you're fussed about having a current bike or last years model, this Giant looks like good VFM.

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b...

I had a play with an x2 last night, cracking bike, the ford focus of the trail bike world, unless something else pops up probably my next bike.

But for paths and road...!?!?!